Joel Embiid leads to huge victory--76ers for real?
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From ESPN Web site:
PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid cupped both ears, imploring fans to cheer even louder, and flashed a wide smile as he soaked in the “MVP” and “Trust The Process” chants.
With Embiid leading the way, the Philadelphia 76ers are no longer the laughingstock of the NBA.
Embiid scored 26 points, Ersan Ilyasova added 18 and the resurgent Sixers beat the Toronto Raptors 94-89 on Wednesday night for their seventh win in nine games.
“I’m trying to change the culture and I like to get the fans into it,” Embiid said. “I play better when the fans are chanting and cheering for us. That’s what I love. The fans have been great.”
Embiid, who was questionable because of the flu, surpassed 20 points in fewer than 30 minutes in his 10th straight game.
The Sixers are only 14-26, but they have rejuvenated a city that has patiently waited for a winner through three miserable seasons.
“The fans are fantastic,” coach Brett Brown said. “We’re all starving for success, some good feelings, some wins. And then to feel it, it’s addictive. These fans deserve it. They’re dying for us to get this right.”
DeMar DeRozan scored 25 for the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors, and Kyle Lowry had 24 points.
After DeRozan gave Toronto an 86-85 lead, Embiid made a tying free throw. Embiid then grabbed a rebound after DeRozan missed a jumper and T.J. McConnell’s layup put Philadelphia ahead 88-86 with 1:09 left. Cory Joseph missed a 3-pointer on Toronto’s ensuing possession and McConnell sank a pair of free throws.
Embiid then blocked Lowry’s shot and sent fans into a frenzy.
Coming off a 36-point performance in a win at Brooklyn a night earlier, DeRozan missed his first six shots but finished strong with 14 points in the fourth quarter.
“We didn’t play physical enough.” Lowry said. “They played with passion and energy. That’s one thing they got us on.”
Embiid put all his skills on display on consecutive possessions early in the fourth quarter. He threw down a thunderous slam off a pass from Sergio Rodriguez and then nailed a 3-pointer from the top of the circle, earning a rousing ovation. Embiid opened his arms wide and raised them high in the air as fans went wild.
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Making a city enjoy basketball again & bringing the laughing stock of the league to respectability is amazing for any rookie to do. It tells you just how good he is. Imagine if he didn’t miss 10 games because of back to backs. Joel would have a real shot at MVP.
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@BeddieKU23 He has a real shot right now. But due to the circumstances he wont make the first team. He could absolutely land a spot on the roster though.
Seasons w/ 25+ pts, 11+ rebs, 3+ blks per 36:
Prime Kareem
Prime Ewing
Prime David Robinson
Rookie Joel Embiid
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Saw a story today. 76ers have #1 defense in the NBA in games Embiid has played. #25 in games Embiid doesn’t play.
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@Kcmatt7 MVP
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@BeddieKU23 Imagine what our boy can do once he plays even more minutes - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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Some folks called me crazy when I said only 2 other 7 footers have ever had his athletic ability, Wilt (The GOAT)and Kareem. Yes I’m saying they are the best over Hakeem and Ewing.
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@kjayhawks What has impressed me the most about him to this point, his 3pt stroke. He is shooting .348 as a Center. And his first step to the basket is so quick that teams just have to let him shoot that.
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How about this tweet from Embiid…
